Owning a firearm is a right granted to you by the Constitution, but you should always take care and keep your gun in a holster. Not using a holster can lead to unfortunate events, and you risk accidentally hurting yourself or the people around you. But did you know that the best concealed carry holster will help you carry your handgun without any discomfort for a long time?
In the following article, we review the best-selling models belonging to all the types of concealed carry holsters and reveal their pros and cons. Not only do we review holsters for men, but for women as well. Find out which features to look for in a concealed carry holster, and which are the advantages and disadvantages of using one type of holster instead of another. Don’t know how to make a concealed carry holster work with your schedule and lifestyle? Don’t worry, we have some suggestions regarding that. No matter your profession and usual activities, you will be able to find the right type of holster using the indications in our guide.
Who says concealed carry holster manufacturers only think about men shooters? In the following article, we review the best selling models of holsters for women as well. You will be able to find a holster for your everyday outfit, but we also prepared one to go with your dresses, so you won’t go anywhere unarmed. Don’t know exactly which will be the most suitable concealed carry holster for you? Don’t worry, most people don’t. That’s why we prepared a short buying guide to help you with your decision. We considered all the good and the bad aspects of all the types of concealed carry holster, so you can make your own decision about which is the right model for you.
Top Concealed Carry Holsters
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Galco Ankle Glove / Ankle Holster |
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Cloak Tuck 3.0 – Alien Gear Holsters |
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Comfort Tac Belly Band Holster |
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Galco Gunleather Shoulder holster |
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Flashbang Bra Holster |
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Best Ankle Holsters
1. Galco Ankle Glove / Ankle Holster
This ankle holster is made out of thick saddle leather stitched to a wide neoprene band with Velcro closure and an optional calf strap you can use to ensure comfortable wear. The neoprene band will accommodate ankles up to 13” thick. The ankle holster can hold both double-action revolvers and semiautomatic pistols, and it’s available for left or right-hand draw.
Pro
- Very Comfortable – This ankle holster is so comfortable, some people will actually forget at times that they have it strapped on.
Con
- Won’t Work With Glock 26 – The Glock 26 is one of the most popular concealed carry handguns, and this holster is not compatible with it (though the manufacturer offers some other models compatible with Glock 26).
Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con Pro Con According to proguncare.com, choosing a top concealed carry holster depends on a lot of factors, and you should weigh each of them before reaching a decision. Here are some things (including some tips) you need to consider if you want to buy a concealed carry holster. The type of concealed carry holster will have a great impact on how you can use it, as every type has certain advantages and disadvantages. Some ankle holsters use only one strap for support, while others use two of them. Choosing between one or two straps is mainly a matter of preference, as both designs will hold the gun steady. The disadvantage of using an ankle holster is that you have to bend over or kneel whenever you want to draw, and this can attract unwanted attention to yourself. A disadvantage of using this type of holster is that it may be somewhat uncomfortable. The holster itself, or the gun’s handle can poke at your back or at your side when you’re sitting down, so this type of holster might not be the best choice for someone who spends a lot of time sitting at a desk or in a car each day. However, some manufacturers have clever designs that will allow you to sit without discomfort, making this type of holster suitable for everyday use. Another advantage of using this type of holster is that it’s easy to conceal, so you can wear them under your T-shirt or sweater without anyone noticing. Another advantage is that you will be able to change the holster’s position to where it’s most comfortable and easy to draw. Some people like to cross draw, while others like to draw from their backs. This holster can be used for virtually any position around you, so you will be able to draw fast. A slight disadvantage is that you may feel some discomfort when you sit, or the holster and gun can become visible through your clothes when you do it. An advantage of using shoulder holsters is that they are comfortable to wear for a long amount of time, and they will keep your gun steady no matter how complex your movements. A slight disadvantage is that you will need to wear a jacket in order to conceal your pistol, and that can be uncomfortable when it’s hot outside. Another slight disadvantage is that shoulder holsters are tough to draw from when you’re in a tight space, like a car. Another advantage is that bra holsters will allow you to draw quick. They keep the gun ready in a horizontal position, so you can draw and aim it in a couple of seconds. A slight disadvantage is that once you draw the pistol, it might be harder to reholster it in public without lifting your shirt. A slight disadvantage of using this kind of holsters is that you will only be able to carry very small pistols. Another disadvantage is that your draw will not be fast, and it’s guaranteed to attract attention from all across a room. Whenever you think about buying a gun holster, you should also think about the drawing speed. Drawing your gun quickly can make a very big difference in every situation OK, most people will say that they want to buy a concealed carry holster because they need to protect themselves and their family, and that’s an alright answer, but we’re not talking about that right now. Some holster designs will offer certain benefits that other models won’t, so you have to make sure you know how you’re going to use the holster most often if you want to pick the right one for the job. You should buy the holster thinking about how you’re going to use it with your current schedule, not modifying your schedule or behavior just because you have a new holster. With these arguments in mind, here are some suggestions about which type of holster you should buy, depending on your usual activities and vocations. The answer to this question depends on your daily activity. Do you spend a lot of time sitting in a police car? If the answer is yes, waistband and belly band holsters might not be very comfortable to carry. They are good for everyday use, but they can poke you when you sit down. On the other hand, a shoulder holster will be very comfortable, but drawing your gun from a shoulder holster while sitting down can be tricky, and it might take longer. A good solution would be to use an ankle holster. If you’re already sitting down, you’ll be able to reach your ankle and draw in a fraction of a second. If you’re not sitting down, all you have to do is bend over and the gun will be in your hand, ready to shoot. This depends on your routine. Are you the kind of businessman who is almost always on the run, or do you spend almost all your time sitting in front of your desk? Do you do a lot of driving, or spend a lot of time in a car? The answer to these questions can make your choice clearer. A businessman always has to dress apart, so this will help you conceal your holster. You can wear a shoulder holster beneath your jacket at all times, without anyone noticing. On the other hand, the jacket will also mask a belly band holster, or an IWB one, so your options are not limited to a shoulder harness. The best thing is to have the gun with you at all times and to be able to draw it quickly. If you’re wearing a casual outfit, the best choice will be the bra holster. This type of holster holds the gun at a horizontal level, and you will be able to draw and aim it in a matter of seconds. But if you’re wearing a dress, a bra holster might not be the best option. You can use a garter holster instead, but reaching it quickly might not be very easy. No matter how well concealed your gun is, keep in mind to leave it behind every time you go in an area where guns aren’t allowed, such as public institution buildings, schools, kindergartens, or churches. You might have the right to carry that gun, but if you do it in a restricted area, you risk a fine or worse. Many people disagree on which is the best concealed carry holster, but you shouldn’t worry about that. The only thing you should keep in mind is to find the right model for your particular needs. Some people like to cross draw, while others like to draw the gun from their dominant side. It’s only natural that a holster model that might be perfect for the first category won’t be the right one for the second. Different types of holsters will offer you different types of advantages, so you have to make sure you find the right model to suit your needs. The most important thing you should think about when you’re buying a concealed carry holster is when are you going to use it. If you plan on using it every day, you should buy a holster that will fit all your daily needs. On the other hand, if you plan on using the holster only on occasion, you should think about buying the right model for those occasions. Some concealed carry holsters can be worn with your everyday outfit, while you can wear others with more elegant outfits, which you might use only rarely. This is why you will be able to find the proper holster for your situation, no matter your profession or what your daily activities are. If you don’t have the necessary time to do the research, just read our buying guide and reviews well prepared by tacticals.org editors and make an informed decision.2. Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement Kodra Nylon Ankle Holster
This holster has a nylon construction and not one, but two straps to hold it in place. One strap will wrap around your ankle, while the other will wrap around your calf for increased support. The strap which holds the holster wraps snugly around your ankle, and the soft fabric is so comfortable, you will be able to wear the holster right over your skin without any discomfort.
3. UTG Concealed Ankle Holster
This ankle holster is completely made out of heavy-duty elastic and it’s padded all along its strap’s surface. The padded straps have a hook & loop design which will allow you to adjust them properly over your calf and ankle. The holster comes with additional accessories you can use to make it even more secure. The calf strap will make wearing the holster more comfortable, while the vertical security straps will connect the calf and ankle straps for increased support.
Best IWB Holsters
1. Cloak Tuck 3.0 – Alien Gear Holsters
This holster has a spring-steel construction which provides it increased durability. This construction’s face is then covered with a thermoplastic polymer, while a material with a special texture will hold your handgun in place. The holster’s surface which rubs against your back is covered in a soft neoprene for increased comfort, so you will be able to wear it at all times.
2. Relentless Tactical Holster
This is one of the best-rated concealed carry holsters available on the market today. The holster is made out of suede leather and will clip onto the waistline of your pants with a metal hook. The holster has a compact design and it’s easy to conceal under your shirt or jacket, so you will be able to wear it at all times.
3. Uncle Mike’s Nylon Inside-The-Pant Holster
This holster has an ultra-thin four-layered laminate construction, but it’s not thicker than regular suede leather holsters. One of the four layers will act as a moisture barrier, and it will stop the perspiration from reaching the gun. The holster has an open-top, so you will be able to draw and holster your gun quickly when necessary. The belt clip will keep the holster securely attached to your pants’ waistband.
Best Belly Band Holsters
1. Comfort Tac Belly Band Holster
This concealed carry holster is made out of a neoprene material which will stretch to fit anyone with a belly up to 44”. The material is so soft, you will be able to wear it directly over your bare skin without any discomfort. The holster can be worn across your waist, cross-body, on the small of your back, or behind your hip, if you like it more that way. The holster also comes with a handy spare magazine pocket.
2. Active Pro Gear Concealment Belly Band Holster
This holster allows you to carry a gun wherever you go without having to wear a jacket. The strap used for holding the gun is elastic and smooth to the touch, so you will be able to wear the holster directly against your skin without any discomfort. The elastic strap actually stretches a lot, so you will be able to wear it comfortably throughout the whole day. The holster’s design will allow you to carry larger handguns, but if you want to conceal them well, you should use compact ones.
3. AlphaHolster Belly Band Hand Gun Holster
This belly holster can conceal your handgun close to your body. The ventilated elastic strap will allow your skin to breathe while you wear the holster, minimizing your discomfort. The strap can be secured using a strip of Velcro. Any small or medium-sized handgun will fit snugly into the holster, and you can secure them further by using a strap behind the gun. The holster also comes with two smaller holsters for magazines.
Best Shoulder Holsters
1. Galco Gunleather Shoulder Holster
This shoulder holster can be adjusted to a horizontal or diagonal carry position and it attaches to the harness with the help of swivel connectors. The ammunition carrier has a secure design, and the harness is specially designed for improved comfort, so you will be able to make detailed adjustments to it, making sure it fits you snugly. The holster is designed for semiautomatic pistols, and you will be able to fit the best-selling models on the market in it without any difficulties.
2. Gould & Goodrich Gold Line Shoulder Holster
This shoulder holster is fully adjustable and has a back swivel which will make the straps stay flat on your back, so the concealment will be really good. On the side opposite the holster, the harness has two magazine pouches for extra ammo. The holster’s harness is easily adjustable and made out of high-quality materials, ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day.
3. UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster
This shoulder holster has a universal design that will hold the most popular handguns, no matter if you won a semi-automatic or a revolver. The holster has a soft lining that will protect your guns from scratches. The holster has a modular design and it can be used by both right and left-handed shooters. The harness’s shoulders are padded for increased comfort, so you will be able to wear the holster for a long time.
Best Concealed Carry for Women
1. Flashbang Bra Holster
This concealed carry holster will keep your gun close at hand in a horizontal position, allowing you to draw and go into a shooting position in mere seconds. The holster has thermoplastic construction and it will be a good fit for every woman who wears a traditional bra. The holster is easy to conceal, and you won’t have any problems fitting popular compact handguns in it. The holster comes with three straps, each having a different length.
2. UnderTech Concealment Tank Top Single Shirt
This concealed carry holster will allow you to carry two handguns at once, or you can choose to carry extra ammunition, a cell phone, or anything else you want on the opposite side of the handgun. This holster does not use straps or a harness for stability, but it actually uses a whole shirt. The shirt can be worn comfortably and allows your body to breathe.
3. Bulldog Cases Concealed Lace Thigh Holster
This holster uses a stretch lace material for holding it in place. The lace has a silicone band on the top to stop it from slipping. The holster is safe and comfortable to wear, even under skirts or dresses. The holster will accommodate small compact handguns that weigh under one pound, so your handguns options will be somewhat limited. The holster can be used with good results for carrying your phone or wallet.
Choose Right, Carry Right!
Flash & Shoot! Or it’ll Be Too Late.
Don’t Carry Your Handgun Like That!
Having a gun with you at all times can be vital for your protection, but you should always keep in mind that you’re actually carrying a real-life weapon and not a toy. The following section will address some popular mistakes people make when they carry their handguns, so you can avoid them. The first thing you should keep in mind is that you have to keep the safety on at all times, no matter the situation you’re involved in.
Best Concealed Carry Holster Comparison Chart
PRODUCT PRICE HAND ORIENTATION MATERIAL FEATURES Galco Ankle Glove / Ankle Holster $$$$ Right 100% Leather Reinforced thumb break Cloak Tuck 3.0 - Alien Gear Holsters $$$ Right Stainless spring-steel band
Thermoelastic polymer
Soft neoprene fabricAdvanced retention and comfort No break-in time required Comfort Tac Belly Band Holster $$ Right Neoprene material Elastic holster
Spare magazine pocket and optional use retention strap providedGalco Gunleather Shoulder holster $$$$$ Right Leather Pivot independently and connected by clover-shaped Flashbang Bra Holster $ Left Thermo plastic Designed to keep a gun horizontal Wrap Up